JSC Nominates 37 New Judges To Strengthen High Court And Environment And Land Court

The Judicial Service Commission has nominated 37 individuals for appointment as judges of the High Court and the Environment and Land Court in a move aimed at strengthening judicial capacity and clearing case backlog. JSC Chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome announced the nominations on 10 April 2026 after a competitive transparent recruitment process that included live broadcast interviews public participation and vetting.

The commission had initially advertised 20 High Court vacancies and 10 Environment and Land Court vacancies in June 2025. The numbers were later increased to 24 High Court and 13 Environment and Land Court positions following promotions to the Court of Appeal and a retirement in the Environment and Land Court. Nominees include magistrates advocates and legal scholars from across the country such as Robinson Ondieki Kebabe Roseline Akinyi Oganyo Paul Kipkosgei Rotich Joyce Mkambe Gandani David Wanjohi Mburu Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi Abdi Mohamud Hassan and Dr Nabil Mokaya Orina for the High Court. Environment and Land Court nominees include John Walter Wanyonyi Jecinta Atieno Orwa Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari Charity Chebii Oluoch and Elena Gathoni Nderitu.

Koome said selections were based on merit integrity professional competence commitment to the rule of law gender balance inclusivity and regional representation. The names have been forwarded to President William Ruto for formal appointment. Upon confirmation the High Court will have 115 judges up from 91 and the Environment and Land Court will have 61 up from 48.

The announcement comes amid scrutiny of public sector corruption following the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025 by the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission. Koome reiterated the Judiciary zero tolerance policy on corruption stating the commission has initiated a review of the report findings in collaboration with the anti graft agency. She urged the public to report any misconduct by judicial officers and highlighted ongoing reforms such as automation of court processes and integrity committees to boost transparency and accountability